[Randomized trial of vincristin-methotrexate-bleomycin and cis-platin or detorubicin for advanced head and neck cancer (author's transl)].

In a randomized multicenter trial, 151 patients, with advanced epidermoid carcinoma of the head, neck and oesophagus, were treated with an association of vincristin, methotrexate, bleomycin and cis-platin (group I) or detorubicin (group II). Prognostic factors were equally distributed for the both groups. Partial or complete responses were obtained in 22 patients of group I (29 p. cent) and 9 in group II (12 p. cent, p less than 0.05). Objective response rates were higher in untreated patients or those in good condition but the difference was not statistically significant. Five probably treatment induced deaths (3 p. cent) were observed. Treatment was stopped in 2 patients (15 p. cent) for haematological, general or digestive toxicity. This trial confirms the efficacy of vincristin, methotrexate, bleomycin and cis-platin for advanced head and neck carcinomas.